Year of Running 2015

2015 medals (click to enlarge)

I'm linking up with Courtney at Eat Pray Run for the Year of Running linkup. I was going to hold off until I hit my year-end milage, but I figured I'd better write it sooner than later!

Stats: 
+ 800 miles! My original goal was to beat last year's 550. I had no idea I'd go over by so much!
+ I participated in 18 races and received 16 medals. I also got a medal for running 100 miles this summer. My favorite medal is from Medina, followed by Emerald City. My race breakdown:

3 Miler: 1
5K: 4
4 Miler: 2
5 Miler: 1
10K: 5
Quarter marathon: 1
Half marathon: 4

PRs:
I set a bunch of PRs in the last half of 2015 including 5K (unofficial), 10K (ran my first non-trail 10K), 4 mile, 5 mile, quarter marathon (new distance), and half marathon.  

New things in 2015:

Oiselle jersey = half PR

1. Oiselle Volée: Not only is it an awesome team to be a part of (inspirational female runners of all speeds and distances), but I also started wearing a lot more Oiselle. Durable and stylish. 
2. Run streak: I began my current run streak on November 2 with Oiselle's #chasethebird challenge (my recap), continued into the Runner's World Run Streak, and now I'm up to day 57. I have no doubt it's made me a faster and more confident runner. Prior to the streak, my fastest mile was 8:11. Now I'm down to 7:36! 
3. Linkups: I started participating in Friday Five earlier this year and have recently joined the Weekly Review ladies on Mondays. Linkups are a great way to find new blogs and push yourself to update. 
4. Scavenger Hunts: I did two #RunChatHunts in 2015. I haven't won anything (yet?), but it makes long runs more interesting.
5. Instagram: Taking photos helped me appreciate the beauty along my normal routes and motivated me to try new trails.  

Now, on to the official questions... 
Best race experience: By far, Loveland Half Marathon. I went into the race not knowing what to expect after my first fall half was black flagged. I prepared three goals and ended up surpassing my expectations and knocking 6 minutes off my PR (set on the same course). To quote Forrest Gump: "I just felt like running."

Best run: I had some great training runs, including my first ever 14 miler. But my best run isn't one that felt amazing or easy. Instead, I chose the Turkey Trot because I set a 5 Miler PR by 6 minutes while redeeming my 2013 experience by finally getting a pumpkin pie! The last 1.5 mile was uphill and super tough. I wanted to walk, but I persevered and earned that darn pie!

Best new piece of running gear: Probably my Toolbelt Rogas (see Turkey Trot photo). I cannot get enough of the waistband pockets.

Best running advice you’ve received this year: At the beginning of the year I liked the mantra "Just keep running." but it stopped working so I started to "run the mile [I was] in." My current mid-race meltdown avoider is "The faster you run, the faster you're done." ;) I think my sister said it to me once. Easier said than done, but it keeps me from walking. Plus, it's a nice, rhythmic thing to repeat internally when you're brain dead.

(Sorry, it's a proof.)

Most inspirational runner: I've turned to Instagram for inspiration on mornings when I don't want to get up and run. Instead of boring fitness accounts, I follow people who balance work, running, and fun. Some of my favorite runners from 2015: Courtney, Chelsea, Cecilia, Jennifer, Tara, and Sun.

Favorite picture from a run or race this year: Cap City was terrible, but man don't Alex and I look cute? (By the way, he bought a print of this photo for Christmas without any prompting from me!)

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: Loveland. Always.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be? Fun. I've had really exciting year, especially this last part.

Goals for 2016:

1. A new 5K PR.
   My latest unofficial PR was set at the beginning of the Turkey Trot 5 Miler (26:02). I had enough energy for two more miles, so I'm sure I can go faster. 
2. A sub 2 half.
   Eek am I really setting this?? I don't think it will happen in February (Florida = heat and I'm not a warm weather runner), but if I can get back to Loveland in the fall I think it can happen! My current PR is 2:02:23.  

Phew. Ok, I'm finally done. Thanks for making it this far through my Year in Review!

Did you participate in the linkup? 
How was your 2015? Have you set any goals for 2016?